Books in Britannica Beginner Bios series

Most readers will recognize the name, but their information might be limited to Thomas Alva Edison's most famous inventions, including the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera. This brief introductory biography introduces young readers to Edison's extraordinary life and brilliant mind. Beginning with his younger years, this book guides readers through his school and work experiences, highlighting his inspirations and other talents, such as salesmanship. An overview of his many later inventions make clear why he was called the "Wizard of Menlo Park" and has such a prominent place in history.

Apple is a famous brand name, and the imagination and forward thinking behind its success owes a large debt to Steve Jobs. This informational biography offers insight into the life of Steve Jobs, beginning with his early curiosity about electronics and moving through his various innovations to his state-of-the-art technologies like iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Readers will learn about his rise to fame in the world of computers and technology, but this book also covers some of his less successful projects. Many readers will be inspired by Jobs's creativity and unwavering determination to develop exciting and striking, but easy-to-use, products.

Young readers may have seen reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and even some of his inventions, but there was much more to his genius. Leonardo was also a scientist and a sculptor. He loved the outdoors. This biography allows young readers to get to know Leonardo from his youth in the Italian countryside and then witness how his work as an adult won over noblemen and royalty who paid him for his art. Readers will be introduced to some of Leonardo's most famous and influential work and discover how it continues to influence today's art and science.

This comprehensive biography of one of historys greatest composers will bring Beethoven back to life for contemporary young readers. In addition to a biographical treatment of his life, a thorough assessment is made of Beethovens musical stylings and developmentsall in language suitable for upper-elementary-level readers. Eighteenth-century drawings coupled with modern photographs show readers Beethovens world as it was during his lifetime and as it is today. Vocabulary boxes reinforce select on-topic words that may be unfamiliar to readers, while Quick Fact sidebars add interesting tidbits, encouraging readers to think beyond the text.

Introduce young readers to one of historys greatest composers. They will enjoy tracing Mozarts life from his childhood touring Europe as a musical prodigy through his years in Italy, Salzburg, and Vienna. Theyll learn about his struggles for independence and his musical innovation. The title touches on the composition of operas, liturgical music, symphonies, concertos, and more. Mozarts enduring popularity and the significant influence he had on the composers who followed him are also discussed. A timeline helps readers understand the chronology of events discussed in the book.

This comprehensive biography of one of historys greatest composers will bring Beethoven back to life for contemporary young readers. In addition to a biographical treatment of his life, a thorough assessment is made of Beethovens musical stylings and developmentsall in language suitable for upper-elementary-level readers. Eighteenth-century drawings coupled with modern photographs show readers Beethovens world as it was during his lifetime and as it is today. Vocabulary boxes reinforce select on-topic words that may be unfamiliar to readers, while Quick Fact sidebars add interesting tidbits, encouraging readers to think beyond the text.